DNA Testing - know the In's and Out's of it. Genetic Genealogy, a new branch of genealogy combining genetics and traditional genealogy research, is the most accurate tool for the family historian. Family connections can be proven or disproven. DNA testing can support a paper trail which is often in question given the lack of surviving records. Its popularity grows daily with thousands testing monthly throughout the world.

16 February 2017

Originally there was one direct to consumer DNA company who
stood out, namely Family Tree DNA. Then
came 23andMe and finally AncestryDNA.
These were the three major DNA testing companies for the genealogist and
other interested parties for years.
However, new kids are moving to the block, and with a new focus on
bio-geographical comparisons (admixtures) and one of those players is Living
DNA!

Living DNA, a British company, does have an office in
Louisville, Kentucky. You order a test
kit with two swab samples (no fluid) and mail it back to Eurofins Genomics (a
partner) in Kentucky. The testing is
done in Denmark.

Testing results is an admixture (those “ethnic” percentages
based on your autosomal DNA). The
company also provides the mitochondrial haplogroup and the Y-DNA haplogroup. Although there is currently no matching
feature nor chromosome browser, those will be provided in the near future.

What is unique about this company is that they provide testing
to 80 world regions, and their focus is to test enough customers so they can
pin-point locations within a country for your ancestors. It allows you to see percentages and map
locations for just your mother’s line, father’s line or both as well as some
information on your haplogroup, a migration map and phylogenetic tree for each
parent. Of course, this means it will be fine-tuned as more people test. This test is especially helpful with those
who have ancestors in the British Isles and Ireland. You can view these 21 regions (so far) on
their websitegoing back in our ancestor up to ten generations.

I know 38 of my 64 fourth-great-grandparents (which is 6
generations from me), and I only know about ten of those who are immigrants
prior to 1800. As all but one of my
KNOWN ancestors were in the US by the early 1800s and that one arrived in 1838,
I know a few general locations from where those immigrants came. This type of test can help me determine where
to search outside the U.S., but there are no guarantees that my ancestor lived
in the specific area listed by any company’s bio-geographical comparison until
I find that ancestor in the location.
However, it is interesting and may be most helpful to see what detailed
variety my DNA sample can show. I know
my admixture will vary over time as more people test and more analysis can be made.

Know that this admixture (being compared with
bio-geographical populations) has been the very reason some people test; that
is, many who are not necessarily genealogists, but who may become interested in
their lineage. The more detail that a
company can provide for the customer, the greater the interest by the public. The more testing, the more advances we will
see in the genetic genealogy field and that will benefit us all.

I always recommend that everyone test with a variety, if not
all companies, in order to find matches in different databases. As soon as this company gets its matching
feature and its chromosome browser (to view the individual segments we share
with our matches), the more this company will be able to compete with the
others.

It is always wise to play in more than one gene pool, and Family Tree DNA is making it easier for you to do that by allowing more transfers from other companies. YEAH!!!!

Customers can now transfer their results from their 23andMe V4 chip and from their AncestryDNA
V2 files in addition to the 23andMe V3 and AncestryDNA V2 files to Family Tree DNA!!!!

In the coming weeks, those who tested at MyHeritage and Genographic will be also able to transfer.

Family Tree DNA still does not accept 23andMe results prior to November 2010.

Those transferring with the 23andMe V3 and AncestryDNA V1 results will receive a full list of matches and the ability to use the Matrix feature at FTDNA FOR FREE. For only $19, the customer can unlock the Chromosome Browser, myOrgins, and ancient Origins. (Frankly, all this is definitely worth the $19!!!)

23andMe V4 and AncestryDNA V2 results receive all but the most speculative matches (6th to remote cousins) for free. If the customer wishes the speculative matches, they will have to submit a sample to FTDNA and have the Family Finder run at the reduce price of $59 (reg. $79).

Matches for transfers would take from one to 24 hours to appear, depending upon the volume of tests waiting to be converted.

More wonderful news....

myOrigins will be updated in the coming weeks. Until then transfers will include only broad populations.

All previously transferred files that have not been unlocked will receive their matches and have access to the Matrix feature for free as long as the release form is signed. This can be signed online from your personal webpages. AND...these kits will also be able to unlock the other Family Finder features for $19. IF the transfer was on a kit with another product where the release form has already been signed, then the matches will appear with not additional action necessary.

The Autosomal Transfer webpage now includes a new image and a FAQ section at the bottom of the page.

If a person tried to transfer the same autosomal file a second time, there will be a message with the kit number of the original kit.

See the Learning Center (bottom of an FTDNA page) and put Autosomal Transfer into the search box to see the most current information.

Know that if you transfer results to FTDNA and you wish to purchase an additional test (Y-DNA or mitochondrial DNA), you will need to order a kit, but be sure to use the same kit number you are given at your autosomal transfer. One person; one kit number ALWAYS!

02 February 2017

This year from June 8th to the 11th at
the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel (Burbank, California), Jamboree
is again gathering wonderful speakers and classes. Jamboree reaches many levels of genealogists
and genetic genealogists from the beginners to the advanced. I am again privileged
to present classes and a workshop (also a Webinar in early August) for DNA Day
on Thursday and a free workshop on Friday.
Of course, this is along with other wonderful DNA speakers. For the remaining days of Jamboree many
well-respected genealogist will give presentations on a wide variety of
subjects.

This year’s theme for the “DNA Day is Diving
into DNA” which is in its fifth year as an addition to the Jamboree’s
genealogical presentations and covers topics for all levels of knowledge from
many of the field’s leading instructors.
Several DNA authors will be available to meet and will be selling their
books. This event requires a separate fee from the genealogical portion of the
event, but as using DNA is the most accurate tool for your genealogy, it is
important to understand how it can help you.

For the genealogy portion of the event is “Hunting Your
Heritage” which includes presentations on the British Isles, Ireland, Armenia
and the Caucasus as well as African American Research. In total, Jamboree has 80+ speakers, 155+ class sessions and
15 workshops along with one-on-one research assistance, research tours, banquet
and breakfast speakers, and an exhibit hall with vendors and societies. The Exhibit has is free all weekend. Something
for everyone!

Emily Aulicino

Genetic Genealogist

Welcome to My Genetic Genealogy Blog

Genetic Genealogy is a wonderful resource for the family genealogist or historian and is growing daily! From time to time I will post URLs and books that can be helpful. My blog is my personal venture and is selective in its contents. It is not a reflection of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy.

I am the Northwest Regional Coordinator for the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG*) and manage twelve DNA Projects and several email lists on Rootsweb and Yahoo. I am available to speak at any function regarding Genetic Genealogy and on writing one's memories and family stories. ......For my DNA Projects, I prefer using Family Tree DNA. You can order a test kit by clicking on the FTDNA logo below.

You are welcome to email me at: aulicino@hevanet.com using the Blog's name in the subject line, if you have any comments or questions.

-------*ISOGG is a non-profit organization designed solely to promote and educate the public about DNA testing in regard to genealogy. Membership is free, but tell them that Emily sent you! See: www.isogg.org --------------

Best wishes and visit often,Emily

Presentation Topics

Introduction to Genetic Genealogy: DNA Your Paper Trail

Autosomal DNA and Chromosome Mapping

Becoming a DNA Project Manager

Care and Feeding of a DNA Project

Establishing a DNA Interest Group

Writing Your Childhood and Family Memories: A simple technique

NOTE: Custom Topics available upon request

Genetic Genealogy: The Basics and Beyond by Emily D. Aulicino

Order from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and AuthorHouse

Publish at AuthorHouse

Family Tree DNA - Click Logo to order a test

To Order at DNA test kit from FTDNA through this blog

...1. Click on the FTDNA icon search button (above)....2. Enter the _(your surname here)_ surname in the upper right where it says: SEARCH...3. On the next page, click on the surname you chose in #2....4. Follow any instructions. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on JOIN.

NOTE: If you are not certain there is a DNA project for your surname or if you are only testing your mtDNA (female line), put the name: CAMPANIA in the search field. This is one of my projects, and I will find you an appropriate project when your results arrive...........You want to join through a project to get the cheapest rates.

To subscribe, click on POST arrow.

Followers

Presentations

.....Presentations for both the Genetic Genealogy and for the writing sessions are normally two hours, but can be adapted. I prefer an computer projector for with a screen and a table for displaying my DNA book and/or writing booklet......Your group can photocopy the handouts or I will do so for $.05 per side. If speaking within the general area of Portland, Oregon I do not charge for mileage or travel expenses. Outside of the general Portland area, I do require the IRS amount of $.56 per mile. If I need to stay over night, a motel room or staying with a non-smoking female will be necessary......Although, as a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogists (ISOGG), I cannot ask for a speaker's fee for the Genetic Genealogy presentations, but I can accept an honorarium. This is not the case with the writing classes. $75 is the standard.Email: aulicino@hevanet.com

Recommendations and Compliments

Genetic Genealogy

"Emily Aulicino is one of the most dynamic people I know. Her energy and enthusiasm has helped make Oregon the largest member per capita region in all of ISOGG. Emily’s educator background is apparent and complimentary to her speaking engagements which create a presentation that is easy-to-understand for any novice. Her reputation has made her an immensely popular speaker throughout the Pacific Northwest which has resulted in nationwide requests. Emily is a proven leader who welcomes a challenge. She manages many people and projects with skill and ability that can only be innate. I have the utmost confidence that Emily will excel at any task presented to her and I look forward to many more years working with her."-------Katherine Borges, Director of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)

Unsolicited Comments:

Barbara in Washington wrote:I just wanted to touch base with you and tell you how impressed I was with your lectures today. They were fun and up, and you were able to explain the DNA process to me in terms that I could understand.

"Memoing" My Memories

130 Topic Booklet for Sale

"Memoing" My Memories - Unsolicited Testimony

Rhonda in Oregon writes:The writing tip you gave us Thursday is great! I went right to my stash of journals (I have trouble journaling, but love the books!), and made a page for every year since my birth year.I’m very excited to start writing my memories down. Thanks again for a fantastic tip!!

Anne in Michigan writes:"So many times I have sat down and tried to write out my life's story. I got so bored with myself that I never got more than a few pages done. This method has totally changed my outlook and has renewed my lifelong interest to write about my life so that my children will have something to remember me by.I am psyched, pumped and ready to go now!”

Beth in Texas writes:“I am finding the topics very helpful in writing about things I would have never thought about before. These topics give me an opportunity not to dwell on the unhappy times in my life, and remember some of the less important, but memorable topics that I'd like to pass on to my children. I'll still write about unhappy times, but they will be sprinkled in with other memories.”

Jan in Kentucky writes:“Emily, you do so very much for so many, and it is so appreciated! You also have broken my writing block, and I appreciate that...if not for you, I don't know that I would have had the heart to return to it. You truly are doing a lot of good with that list of yours and the effects will be known for years and generations for so many. I think sometimes we just need to tell you that.”

Bob in Sherwood, Oregon writes:THANKS to you I started writing my "story" last Friday. If it wasn't for you I probably wouldn't have started it. It's all your fault...You, You, "Inspirator", You! Telling usto write in "pictures". If I started it prior to your presentation it would have begun... "I was born on October 29, 1944 in Jamestown, New York". Needless to say you had a GREAT impact on my writing.

Bill in New Jersey writes:Just a short note to says thanks to you, Emily, for the prompts. I especially like the way in which you write the suggestions to go along with the prompts.

Books About Childhood Memories and Family Stories

As most of you know I seldom read fiction, and as a result, I am interested in books that are historical in nature and/or tell the stories of people's lives. The following list is some books that I have read which are by people I know, people who are related to me, people I have met, and people with whom I've corresponded for a time. Proudly, I have each author's autograph, and I'm beginning to think of this as a new collection/hobby of mine! .

Each of these stories have great struggles and challenges. Some are of childhood while others occurred when the author was an adult. I hope that you will find them interesting as I have. They are truly a slice of our American Life!

Childhood Shadows: The Hidden Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by Mary Pacios

Son of Scarface: A Memoir by the Grandson of Al Capone by Chris W. Knight

Run Jane Run: A True Story of Murder and Courage by Jane Wells

Somehow, We'll Survive: Life in Japan During World War II Through The Eyes of a Young Caucasian Boy by George Sidline

About Me

Emily is available for Presentations regarding Writing Your Family Memories and Childhood Stories.
----- Learn to WRITE ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY MEMORIES using a quick and simple technique. Learn various organizational ideas and writing tips. ------- BOOK FOR SALE on writing your memories at workshops or by mail (Spiral bound; 144 pages on heavy vellum; 130 topics with writing tips and organizational ideas).
Emily is also available to give presentations on Genetic Genealogy. See the following blog for more information: http://genealem-geneticgenealogy.blogspot.com/
--------- EMAIL for further details on either topic:
aulicino@hevanet.com